2.05_Answers to Offerors Questions_N6817125R4005_20250401.pdf

Answers to Offerors Questions N68171-25-R-4005

1. …We would like to know if this is a brand new contract OR if there is (was) an incumbent performing these services. If not brand new, could you please provide the current / previous contract number?

a. This is a follow on to an existing requirement. The current contract number is N68171-22-P-4006.

2. …we have recieved The reposted solicidayion trought on SAM.gov also CANCELED WEXMAC N68171-2000 regarding with canceld WEXMAC posted is that ok to Aske you questions? 1) what was the reasens for cancelations we just conserned to know what is the USA government find out ? Or did we do anything wrong? hope not. Thank you for answering our question.

a. This solicitation was previously sent out on the worldwide expeditionary multiple award contract (WEXMAC). The Government made the unilateral decision to resolicit on SAM.gov.

3. …We are seeking clarification regarding the bid contract details. Specifically, we would like to confirm if the contract requires a total of six vehicles (three vans and three SUVs).

Additionally, could you please confirm whether some vehicles are intended for a 7-month term while others are for 12 months?

a. The contract only requires two vehicles, one 15-passenger van and one Sport Utility Vehicle. CLINs 1001, 1002, 2001, 2002, 3001, and 3002 are Option CLINs.

Reference Clause 52.217-8 on page 42 of the posted solicitation.

4. …We would also appreciate information on the expected start date of the contract.

Lastly, would it be acceptable to acquire some of the vehicles after the bid is awarded, or is it required that all vehicles be immediately available?

a. Please reference the period of performance (POP) on pages 3, 11, and 12 of the posted solicitation. The contractor shall be required start performance on the first day of the period of performance.

5. How frequent to you project overnight trips?

a. In the previous three (3) months, the driver on the current contract has been required to stay overnight outside of Addis Ababa zero (0) times. Historical data is not a guarantee of future use. The Contractor shall be prepared to perform all requirements as specified in the PWS.

6. Are the overnight trips outside the country? If not, how far outside Addis?

a. Trips outside of the country are outside the scope of this contract.

7. If performance starts on 1 May, when is the expected award date?

a. The government will award the contract no later than 30 April 2025.

8. Who was the previous contract awardee? Contract award value?

a. The current contract was awarded to Azmach Bogale Tour Operations and Travel for $57,575.00.

9. Is there an incumbent currently performing under this contract? If so, could you please provide the name of the incumbent contractor?

a. Yes, Azmach Bogale Tour Operations and Travel

10. Could you provide the award history for this requirement, including the awarded contract value and winning bid if available?

a. The current contract was awarded to Azmach Bogale Tour Operations and Travel for $57,575.00.

11. Are there any expectations or scenarios where transportation services might be required in or near conflict zones or high-risk areas within Ethiopia? If so, we would appreciate any clarification regarding operational boundaries, security measures, and additional consideration that would be provided by the U.S. Government under such conditions.

a. Services will generally be performed in Addis Ababa, but the Contractor shall perform services throughout the entirety of Ethiopia upon request, to include locations that may have security concerns.

12. I'm reviewing Solicitation Number N6817125R4005 to provide Passenger Transportation Services and vehicles with drivers to CJTF in Addis Ababa. PWS 1.1.1 does not specify the total number of vehicles needed to fulfill the assignment. According to Addendum to 52.212-1, it sounds there might be a need for 86 total vehicles. 43 Landcruiser and 43 passenger vans with a capacity of 15 seats. I Would appreciate it if you could answer this question for us. Thanks

a. Only one 15-passenger van with driver is required for CLIN 0001. Only one SUV with driver is required for CLIN 0002. Unit of issue is ‘Months’. Quantity is ‘number of months’. CLINs 1001, 1002, 2001, 2002, 3001, and 3002 are Option CLINs to extend the period of performance. Reference Clause 52.217-8 on page 42 of the posted solicitation.

13. Could you clarify the expected average number of notifications received by the current contractor for transportation services per day? Additionally, how frequently are late-night services anticipated?

a. The Contractor shall be prepared to provide the maximum requirements as specified in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Past usage is not a guarantee of future usage. Historically, the Government utilizes the 15-passenger van for approximately 200 kilometers per week. This van is typically used for daily trips between the Bole District and the US Embassy, with an average of 10-20 airport pick-ups and drop-offs per month. While the schedule is generally predictable, the Government retains the right to request services with as little as 30 minutes' notice, as stated in the PWS. Usage per week will vary but is generally between 5 and 7 days per week. The SUV is primarily utilized when road conditions necessitate an all-terrain vehicle.

14. It is stated that the Contractor should be capable of driving up to 250 kilometers per day per vehicle, yet historical utilization shows approximately 30 kilometers per day. Can you provide insights or historical data regarding the expected daily distances for specific tasks?

a. See answer to question 13.

15. What is the estimated frequency of overnight trips required under this contract?

a. Overnight trips are not anticipated, but the contractor shall perform all tasks in accordance with the PWS when requested.

16. Could you outline the major destinations within Ethiopia, not to include Addis Ababa that will be serviced?

a. Services will generally be performed in Addis Ababa, but the Contractor shall be willing to perform transportation services anywhere in Ethiopia in accordance with the

PWS.

17. Regarding drivers’ language capabilities, could you clarify the expected proficiency level in English? Are there specific language certifications or tests required?

a. All drivers must be able to read, write, speak and understand English to a level that they can effectively communicate with the Government. No test or certification is required.

18. What is the process for conducting background checks through the Regional Security Office (RSO) - U.S. Embassy? Additionally, will the issuing of identity cards coincide with the award of the contract, or is it subject to a separate timeline?

a. The Government will initiate the background check if and when applicable after contract award. Drivers that do not pass a background check will be replaced at no cost to the Government within 24 hours of notification.

19. Clarification is requested on the types of vehicles i.e. Toyota Land Cruiser / Prado / Fortunner and Mitsubtchi Pajero, that will be most required throughout the contract term.

Should we prepare to supply additional vehicles beyond the specific passenger and SUV specifications laid out in the RFQ?

a. All vehicles must meet the specifications listed in the PWS.

20. Will the Government provide guidelines on what constitutes acceptable terms for the CDW? Furthermore, how will the Government’s liability be treated if an incident occurs while a rental vehicle is in use?

a. All CDW shall be in accordance with local and national laws and conform to PWS paragraph 2.2 and 2.8 (and subparagraphs). The Government shall not have any liability if an incident occurs.

21. Are there specific fuel types preferred or required for the vehicles? Will the contractor be reimbursed for fuel costs, or is it expected to be included in the unit price?

a. The government does not have a preference for fuel types. The Contractor will not be reimbursed for fuel costs. Please see PWS paragraph 2.12.

22. Can you provide clarity on the enforcement of traffic violations? In the event of a violation, how should contractors handle fine payments if the incident occurred during the official operation of the vehicle?

a. The contractor shall pay all fines in accordance with PWS paragraph 2.9 and

2.12. The Contractor (or Contractor’s Driver) is responsible for all traffic violations, regardless of when they occur. The Government will never operate the vehicle without the Contractor.

23. Can you specify any existing communication protocols between the U.S. Government representatives and contractors? Are there preferred mobile devices or communication applications required besides WhatsApp and Signal Messenger?

a. Signal Messenger and WhatsApp are required in accordance with PWS paragraph 1.1.5.

24. Please provide further details on the joint vehicle inspection process. What criteria will the U.S. Government use to determine whether a vehicle is compliant or suitable for service?

a. Vehicles not conforming to the specifications of the PWS will not be accepted by the Government.

25. Could you please provide the name and details of the current contract's prime vendor?

a. The current contract was awarded to Azmach Bogale Tour Operations and Travel for $57,575.00.

26. What is the total awarded amount for the existing contract?

a. The current contract was awarded to Azmach Bogale Tour Operations and Travel for $57,575.00.

27. Is the initial RFQ for the existing contract available in the SAM inactive opportunities section?

a. No, it has expired.

28. How long has the existing contract been in effect?

a. The existing contract was awarded on 21 November 2021.